Cooking appliances are must-haves in any kitchen, and perhaps the biggest must-have of them all is the stove range. It combines two of the most important appliances needed in any kitchen: the stove and the oven. There are many different kinds of stove ranges, each built for a different purpose.

However, the number of choices can make it confusing to choose which one you should get for your kitchen. This guide will help you go through factors you need to consider to know what stove range you should buy.

Fuel vs. Electric
Traditional fuel ranges have the advantage of not relying on electricity, and are still used by a lot of chefs as well as the average Singaporean homeowner. Because you can go through the different heat settings instantly with them, they offer a kind of precision that most electric stoves don’t have.

However, you would need a gas hookup for this kind of stove range, and it can be more time-consuming to clean.
Electric fuel ranges, on the other hand, are much tidier. These smooth-top stoves are much more visually appealing and are easier to clean, and is a good choice for those people who don’t have gas hookups at home.

The downside with electric ranges is that though they cost less to install, they use more energy than traditional gas ranges and add on the electric bills significantly.

Cost
Stove ranges are expensive, but there are some that are more expensive than others. A typical run-of-the-mill gas range will cost less than an electric range, unless the electric range uses coil cooktops.

You should keep in mind, though, that electric ranges may cost you more in the long run, especially in Singapore.

Size
How big is your kitchen? If you only have a small space to work with, it’s probably not a good idea to buy a professional-grade stove range. As much as possible, buy a stove range that gives you a good compromise between capability and space used.

An ideal stove for your kitchen should be enough for all your needs while not constricting foot traffic in your workspace when cooking. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, talk to your interior designer about the placement as well as the aesthetics.

Usage
You should also keep in mind the different settings that you’ll need in your daily cooking. Most stovetops would have at least four different burners that cater to different heat levels, with perhaps one power burner for boiling water quickly, and a slow burner for simmering.

Your stove should also be easy to clean, unless you’re willing to put in the extra time after cooking each meal. When it comes to safety, most ranges are risky usually depending on how they’re used. Remember to always turn off the power or gas when you’re done cooking.